Do you want to supplement iron deficiency? Or maybe lower bad LDL cholesterol? In both cases, be sure to include hummus in your daily menu. It is one of the most popular delicacies of Middle Eastern cuisine. It delights with its mild, slightly nutty and creamy taste, but also has numerous health properties. Find out how it affects your health and what to serve it with.
Hummus is nothing else than chickpea paste, which is full of beneficial ingredients. Both chickpeas and sesame seeds are rich in protein. 100 g of this product provides 8 g of protein, 10 g of fat, 14 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fiber.
The fat found in hummus is healthy, and the carbohydrates are in a complex form. Together with protein and fiber, they prevent fatigue.
As mentioned, hummus is a source of iron, as it contains as much as 2.4 mg. 100 g therefore covers 14% of the demand for this ingredient in an adult. This is important information for people on a plant-based diet looking for non-animal sources of this element.
In addition, hummus contains vitamins A, C and B, as well as a long list of minerals: copper, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, manganese, sodium.
However, we must remember that this product is quite high in calories. 100 g of hummus has from 150 to 350 kcal. After all, it consists of caloric ingredients, including: tahini paste and . That is why it should be an addition to the diet, especially for people struggling with excess weight.
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Chickpeas lower the level of bad LDL cholesteroland also helps regulate blood pressure. Healthy unsaturated fats, in turn, support heart health. The ingredients of this product have anti-atherosclerotic properties, therefore they prevent the accumulation of deposits in the arteries.
Hummus ingredients, i.e. tahini paste and olive oil, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, they neutralize free radicals, which accelerate the aging process and cause the development of many diseases, including cancer.
Hummus is good for the digestive system thanks to its high fiber content. It supports intestinal function, prevents constipation and helps regulate bowel movements. Moreover, the combination of protein, fiber, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates not only stimulates, but also satisfies you for a long time. That’s why this product prevents snacking between meals. So it can help with weight loss.
Most often, butter is replaced with hummus. So we spread it on bread. You can also use it as a spread for pita bread, tortillas or wraps.
We recommend serving this product as a dip for vegetables, i.e. carrots, cucumbers, peppers, celery. Then we cut them into sticks and dip them in the creamy product. It goes perfectly with grilled vegetables, e.g. eggplant or zucchini.
Some people treat hummus as a salad dressing. All you need to do is mix it with a little water and a small amount of olive oil and lemon juice.
It is also worth serving this product with main dishes, e.g. grilled meat, skewers, falafels.. You can mix it with groats or rice to make these dinner additions not so dry.
